Hey everyone! Just wanted to let everyone know that I have moved my blog to a new, fancy-schmancy-super-duper-wild and wacky new URL!
Please make note of this if you subscribe via a reader -- or not.
here's the link to see it! If you subscribe to this blog via an email address, you shouldn't have to do anything as I have redirected my feed. Fingers crossed I did it correctly.
Please be patient as I tweak it and fix the typos and embellish it -- it's prettier -- let me know what you think.
Thanks!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Donna & Gil
UPDATE: Okay, I was tired last night when I posted this. Donna & Gil are getting married at the Inn at Brookeville in Brookeville, MD!!! I just booked a wedding at Glenview for this summer and was mixing them up! But no worries as my contract was correct!!
After nearly having to scratch this engagement session due to an almost 90 minute delay b/c of a horrible accident on the beltway, Donna and Gil made it to Old Town from Rockville, MD for our session last week. Thankfully, it was in Old Town where I was able to grab dinner and kill some time waiting for them. These two love birds are tying the knot in early June at the fabulous Glenview Mansion -- that'll be my first time there and I am thrilled to add a new venue to my list as it's a gorgeous one at that. Gil and Donna met on Match.com and they are not my only couple to meet thru this means so for all you singletons out there, there is hope! This type of dating service wasn't even around (or maybe it was but it certainly wasn't as huge as it is now) before I got married (almost 13 years ago) so I'm fascinated with the concept. Aren't they cute?
After nearly having to scratch this engagement session due to an almost 90 minute delay b/c of a horrible accident on the beltway, Donna and Gil made it to Old Town from Rockville, MD for our session last week. Thankfully, it was in Old Town where I was able to grab dinner and kill some time waiting for them. These two love birds are tying the knot in early June at the fabulous Glenview Mansion -- that'll be my first time there and I am thrilled to add a new venue to my list as it's a gorgeous one at that. Gil and Donna met on Match.com and they are not my only couple to meet thru this means so for all you singletons out there, there is hope! This type of dating service wasn't even around (or maybe it was but it certainly wasn't as huge as it is now) before I got married (almost 13 years ago) so I'm fascinated with the concept. Aren't they cute?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Tag!!! You're it!!!
I've been tagged!
This cracks me up b/c I feel too old compared to my loyal blogger friends and colleagues to be doing this. But Vicky, event planner extraordinaire from Event Accomplished, tagged me for this particular funny one.
Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others you like and tell why.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
I'm actually 'dating' myself by disclosing these funny tunes and I could have picked a million funnier ones that are borderline "cheesefest" but do I change the channel when the song is on? nahhhhhhhhhhh.
1. Tragedy, Bee Gees. Who doesn't feel like grooving in a goofy way when they hear the Bee Gees?
2. Dream On, Aerosmith. It makes me laugh b/c he's so earnest when he sings.
3. Telephone Line, ELO. I'm not even sure why -- maybe it's the Dooo-whap lyrics...but I'm a kid of the 70s and 80s.
4. Violet, Hole. If I were a rocker in another life, I'd have to pick Courtney Love b/c of her crazy way on the stage. It's pure, raw entertainment.
5. Dim all the Lights, Donna Summer. Reminds me of ice skating with my girly and pretend boyfriends in 6th grade.
So there you have it my friends, consider yourself tagged.....Sarah Hodzic, Jessica del Vecchio, Erin Rexroth Sally Brewer, Rashmi Pappu, Mandi White, and Liz Vance.
This cracks me up b/c I feel too old compared to my loyal blogger friends and colleagues to be doing this. But Vicky, event planner extraordinaire from Event Accomplished, tagged me for this particular funny one.
Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others you like and tell why.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
I'm actually 'dating' myself by disclosing these funny tunes and I could have picked a million funnier ones that are borderline "cheesefest" but do I change the channel when the song is on? nahhhhhhhhhhh.
1. Tragedy, Bee Gees. Who doesn't feel like grooving in a goofy way when they hear the Bee Gees?
2. Dream On, Aerosmith. It makes me laugh b/c he's so earnest when he sings.
3. Telephone Line, ELO. I'm not even sure why -- maybe it's the Dooo-whap lyrics...but I'm a kid of the 70s and 80s.
4. Violet, Hole. If I were a rocker in another life, I'd have to pick Courtney Love b/c of her crazy way on the stage. It's pure, raw entertainment.
5. Dim all the Lights, Donna Summer. Reminds me of ice skating with my girly and pretend boyfriends in 6th grade.
So there you have it my friends, consider yourself tagged.....Sarah Hodzic, Jessica del Vecchio, Erin Rexroth Sally Brewer, Rashmi Pappu, Mandi White, and Liz Vance.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Dani & Matt's Wedding
This was an unusual wedding for me. Dani and Matt tied the knot at Kentlands Mansion on March 29th and had their party/reception at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town on April 19th. In-between those lucky dogs spent more than 2 weeks in South Africa for their honeymoon! Clearly one of the more exciting and exotic honeymooners I know!
The vendors Dani and Matt used were:
Kentlands Mansion (Ceremony + Dinner)
Torpedo Factory (Reception only)
The Black Tie Band
Windows Catering
Fiore Floral
Video Express
Dani was a superstar on the dance floor and I was cracking up taking photos of her with her friends cutting up the floor with the band! Her mom surprised her with a song too. It was a great touch!
I DO for Brides magazine contacted Kentlands Mansion about showcasing one of their weddings in an upcoming issue and Kentlands has asked Dani and Matt if they would want to show their images!! We don't know yet if it will be selected but our fingers are crossed!
The vendors Dani and Matt used were:
Kentlands Mansion (Ceremony + Dinner)
Torpedo Factory (Reception only)
The Black Tie Band
Windows Catering
Fiore Floral
Video Express
Dani was a superstar on the dance floor and I was cracking up taking photos of her with her friends cutting up the floor with the band! Her mom surprised her with a song too. It was a great touch!
I DO for Brides magazine contacted Kentlands Mansion about showcasing one of their weddings in an upcoming issue and Kentlands has asked Dani and Matt if they would want to show their images!! We don't know yet if it will be selected but our fingers are crossed!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
NILMDTS and a response
It's not very often that I talk about the charity I'm partnered with, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. For one, it's pretty personal, but more importantly, what can I say? It scares some folks off to hear about it and for others, they just can't listen for very long without getting upset so I talk about it in abbreviated terms or not at all. And frankly, I want to -- I want to raise awareness of this amazing charity and also to acknowledge all the families who have lost babies -- that's it real, frequent and shouldn't be ignored.
On Friday, last week, I got a letter from one of my November '07 families from Fairfax Hospital. It was a "Thank You" card along with a typed letter, a check (which I didn't and can't accept) and a Remembrance card using one of my photos for their son, Christian. I was shaking when I opened it. Not really sure why but partially worry for this family in terms of their mental health and maybe what they thought of my photos (knowing they would mention it), etc. The card (seeing how my image was used) nearly brought me to tears but the letter written by Bridget, the mom, did bring me to tears. I talked to her at length on Monday about it -- about her experience, how she was doing, about my experience, why I do this, about God's work for us -- and we talked for a good 45 minutes about so much. I really feel I have gained a friend in her now. She told me I could share her letter since I am always trying to recruit more photographers for this great cause, and know some are curious about what this charity is all about to begin with. This letter just confirms why I am doing this and will, no question, keep me going even stronger than before.
Plus, I thought it would be helpful to share a mother's perspective on it -- it's rare that I hear from any of my families. Here goes...
Dear Julia,
First I would like to apologize for taking so long to write this note to you. My little boy was stillborn on November 7, 2007. You came up to Fairfax Hospital to take pictures of us. Thank you so much! I can't put into words the deep gratitude I feel for what you did for me. Of all the people who helped me through that horrible ordeal, what you did helped me the most. I really can't thank you enough. You gave me a gift that I will always treasure. It must have been difficult to start your day by going on an unexpected trip to the hospital that morning. Thank you so much for saying YES and coming. I know it isn't easy to be with people who are feeling so much pain. I'm sure it takes a toll on you too. I want you to know that what you did for me and what you gave me is priceless. The pictures and the slideshow have helped my grieving process so much. There is so much I feel that I can't explain or put into words. Just know that you did so much more than just take a few pictures. Those pictures are the only physical things I have left of Christian. I can't imagine trying to get through this without them. My husband and I and the nurses took pictures of him, but they aren't anything like the ones you took. I used one of the pictures you took of Christian's hands to make a remembrance card, which I sent to my family and friends. Making that card helped my grieving process and I couldn't have done it without that beautiful picture you took. I've included one of those cards as I thought you might like to see it.
My family and I are doing well. I hope someday we will have another precious little baby. If we do, it would be an honor if you would take a family picture of us. Thank you so much for all that you did.
Sincerely,
Bridget
This is the photo they used and the scripture they had on the card.
On Friday, last week, I got a letter from one of my November '07 families from Fairfax Hospital. It was a "Thank You" card along with a typed letter, a check (which I didn't and can't accept) and a Remembrance card using one of my photos for their son, Christian. I was shaking when I opened it. Not really sure why but partially worry for this family in terms of their mental health and maybe what they thought of my photos (knowing they would mention it), etc. The card (seeing how my image was used) nearly brought me to tears but the letter written by Bridget, the mom, did bring me to tears. I talked to her at length on Monday about it -- about her experience, how she was doing, about my experience, why I do this, about God's work for us -- and we talked for a good 45 minutes about so much. I really feel I have gained a friend in her now. She told me I could share her letter since I am always trying to recruit more photographers for this great cause, and know some are curious about what this charity is all about to begin with. This letter just confirms why I am doing this and will, no question, keep me going even stronger than before.
Plus, I thought it would be helpful to share a mother's perspective on it -- it's rare that I hear from any of my families. Here goes...
Dear Julia,
First I would like to apologize for taking so long to write this note to you. My little boy was stillborn on November 7, 2007. You came up to Fairfax Hospital to take pictures of us. Thank you so much! I can't put into words the deep gratitude I feel for what you did for me. Of all the people who helped me through that horrible ordeal, what you did helped me the most. I really can't thank you enough. You gave me a gift that I will always treasure. It must have been difficult to start your day by going on an unexpected trip to the hospital that morning. Thank you so much for saying YES and coming. I know it isn't easy to be with people who are feeling so much pain. I'm sure it takes a toll on you too. I want you to know that what you did for me and what you gave me is priceless. The pictures and the slideshow have helped my grieving process so much. There is so much I feel that I can't explain or put into words. Just know that you did so much more than just take a few pictures. Those pictures are the only physical things I have left of Christian. I can't imagine trying to get through this without them. My husband and I and the nurses took pictures of him, but they aren't anything like the ones you took. I used one of the pictures you took of Christian's hands to make a remembrance card, which I sent to my family and friends. Making that card helped my grieving process and I couldn't have done it without that beautiful picture you took. I've included one of those cards as I thought you might like to see it.
My family and I are doing well. I hope someday we will have another precious little baby. If we do, it would be an honor if you would take a family picture of us. Thank you so much for all that you did.
Sincerely,
Bridget
This is the photo they used and the scripture they had on the card.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Baby Sarah Catherine
Little Miss. That's what I think about when I see Miss Sarah Catherine. She is 14 precious sassy months old and has, since this shoot last week, already moved to Texas! Her mom has started a new job down there and she is now ready to tear up Texas! We barely got this shoot in after having to reschdule earlier in the month.
Sarah Catherine kept me on my toes -- as do all toddlers this age. I always tell my parents to not expect many seated calm photos -- as these little tykes must explore and be on their new feet. She kept my word on that until snack time when I was able to get some tighter shots of her beautiful face. Sarah Catherine has been walking a few months now but showed no signs of slowing down for most of our hour session! When I chatted with her mom before our shoot to get an idea of her personality and demeanor, she said "she's super independent"! No question there. I had so much fun watching her go and just take in the spring air and her environment.
Sarah Catherine kept me on my toes -- as do all toddlers this age. I always tell my parents to not expect many seated calm photos -- as these little tykes must explore and be on their new feet. She kept my word on that until snack time when I was able to get some tighter shots of her beautiful face. Sarah Catherine has been walking a few months now but showed no signs of slowing down for most of our hour session! When I chatted with her mom before our shoot to get an idea of her personality and demeanor, she said "she's super independent"! No question there. I had so much fun watching her go and just take in the spring air and her environment.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Maps
Okay, this is so cool -- grabbed it from Facebook. When I sat here to think about all the cities I have been to in the world, it was a fun task! I have been to so many great places around the world -- see all the pins on the Map -- around 47 cities in 10 countries! And I hope to get to more in the near future now that my kids are getting bigger. I'd like to get back to Spain where I studied in 1991 or back to the Philippines to show my family where my mom grew up....but would love to see South America too. Too many choices!
These cities are my favs!
These cities are my favs!
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Manila, Philippines
- Alexandria, VA, USA
- Florence, Italy
- Salamanca, Spain
- Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
- Create your own travel map or travel blog
- Visit TripAdvisor.com
Spring is here!
Spring is here!! But the ironic thing is that I have been sick all week with a bad cold or something. And I made it thru the entire winter with NOTHING, yet here is it April and I have been down for the count -- the week when it's been warmest and sunniest! As such I'm behind on my work so if you're waiting for proofs or products, please be patient, they will be ready asap. Moreover my family and I went boating yesterday -- the marina opened this week and we were ready to go! Despite feeling ill, I couldn't disappoint the troops here and the sunshine was good for me.
We headed out of Woodbridge and headed up north to the Mt. Vernon area on the Potomac. We were just about ready to have our dinner when we noticed being approached by a boat with flashing lights. For the first time, we were 'boarded' by the Coast Guard for a random safety check. It was quite interesting and funny. It's akin to being randomly stopped by the police -- but that never happens. They were with us for a good 30 minutes and just checked life jackets, fire extinguishers, and other stuff I don't even know about but trust Jack does. The guys were actually quite nice and were in town from NJ providing water security around the Stadium during the Pope's Mass earlier in the day.
One of these photos is my favorite -- my youngest, Harry, is a comic. He is a happy kid with a wild imagination and always trying to make us and his friends laugh. When the boat was moving at full throttle, he was pretending to be blown by the wind so all you see are his feet as he's horizontal to the ground holding on to the rail. Jack, Jackson and I were cracking up.
We headed out of Woodbridge and headed up north to the Mt. Vernon area on the Potomac. We were just about ready to have our dinner when we noticed being approached by a boat with flashing lights. For the first time, we were 'boarded' by the Coast Guard for a random safety check. It was quite interesting and funny. It's akin to being randomly stopped by the police -- but that never happens. They were with us for a good 30 minutes and just checked life jackets, fire extinguishers, and other stuff I don't even know about but trust Jack does. The guys were actually quite nice and were in town from NJ providing water security around the Stadium during the Pope's Mass earlier in the day.
One of these photos is my favorite -- my youngest, Harry, is a comic. He is a happy kid with a wild imagination and always trying to make us and his friends laugh. When the boat was moving at full throttle, he was pretending to be blown by the wind so all you see are his feet as he's horizontal to the ground holding on to the rail. Jack, Jackson and I were cracking up.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Homemade Music - the "other" art
For those of you who are blog stalkers and don't know me that well, I am married to a serious musician (studied at Berklee School of Music, he works at XM Radio by day running the Performance Studio as well as writing music for film/tv on the side from home). As a result, our wee offspring are showing signs of serious genetic duplication. I keep pushing the camera in hand but I'm losing out to the cooler music genre and specifically ROCK. Tho, as a Foo Fighters- Smashing Pumpkins-Radiohead-Muse-Silversun Pickups fan myself, it's hard for my kids to know anything else!
Jackson, almost 8, is taking piano lessons and LOVES it....he spends just about everyday on the piano writing his own stuff rather than practicing his lessons! This past fall, he entered a composition into the PTA sponsored "Reflections" program open to all students nationwide. The program is aimed to encourage kids of all ages (thru high school) to creatively explore an area of the arts that they enjoy (music, photography, visual arts, film/video, dance and writing). He competed in the K-2 category for Musical Composition and took 'outstanding interpretation' (or 1st) at his school, again at the the cluster level, and ultimately took 2nd for Fairfax County. We are proud. Wednesday evening was a little awards ceremony for those who rec'd top recognition -- attached are those photos.
To augment the "piano-ness" here, I often walk into my house and hear roaring drums and blaring electric guitar from the basement below. I usually come down to find my husband with the boys jamming. It's great fun to see them develop their interest in music. Jack just became the happy new owner of a replica Les Paul 1959 guitar so it's quite often that I hear this now. I have to admit that while I am not well versed in the world of guitars, this one is gorgeous and sounds pretty rockin' and is admired by all guitarists amateur and pro. I had no idea this is the holy grail of guitars. For me, it would be like owning Nikon D3 (only $5000, body only) but better b/c of it's history.
Jackson, almost 8, is taking piano lessons and LOVES it....he spends just about everyday on the piano writing his own stuff rather than practicing his lessons! This past fall, he entered a composition into the PTA sponsored "Reflections" program open to all students nationwide. The program is aimed to encourage kids of all ages (thru high school) to creatively explore an area of the arts that they enjoy (music, photography, visual arts, film/video, dance and writing). He competed in the K-2 category for Musical Composition and took 'outstanding interpretation' (or 1st) at his school, again at the the cluster level, and ultimately took 2nd for Fairfax County. We are proud. Wednesday evening was a little awards ceremony for those who rec'd top recognition -- attached are those photos.
To augment the "piano-ness" here, I often walk into my house and hear roaring drums and blaring electric guitar from the basement below. I usually come down to find my husband with the boys jamming. It's great fun to see them develop their interest in music. Jack just became the happy new owner of a replica Les Paul 1959 guitar so it's quite often that I hear this now. I have to admit that while I am not well versed in the world of guitars, this one is gorgeous and sounds pretty rockin' and is admired by all guitarists amateur and pro. I had no idea this is the holy grail of guitars. For me, it would be like owning Nikon D3 (only $5000, body only) but better b/c of it's history.
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